Interview: Adriano Schmid on New PBS KIDS Series That Engage Young Learners – “Skillsville,” “Mystery League,” and More!

PBS KIDS continues to expand its diverse and engaging lineup with the launch of Skillsville and Mystery League, plus the highly anticipated special Acoustic Rooster and His Barnyard Band. Skillsville immerses young audiences in a virtual world where they explore various careers while developing executive function skills. Mystery League brings live-action storytelling to PBS KIDS, introducing viewers to a trio of young detectives solving everyday mysteries in their small town. Meanwhile, Acoustic Rooster uses the power of jazz to teach teamwork, creativity, and musical expression. To learn more about how these new properties align with PBS KIDS’ educational mission, I spoke with Adriano Schmid, VP of Content at PBS KIDS.

Alex: The last time we spoke was in the lead-up to the launch of Carl the Collector. What has the feedback been for that show since its launch last November?

Adriano Schmid: The response has been great, both in terms of audience engagement on the video app, the games app, and the website, but also on a more micro level—within the communities that our stations serve. We’ve received really positive responses from families, and we’re also holding a lot of station events.

One exciting development is that we’re now able to distribute toolkits to stations to create sensory-sensitive events. Families with neurodivergent children can attend knowing that the event is designed to be inclusive and comfortable for them. That’s a big step forward in connecting with the entire U.S. population, which is a fundamental part of our mission.

Alex: PBS KIDS has a strong legacy of entertaining educational programming, and with the upcoming launches of Skillsville and Mystery League, how do these shows align with PBS KIDS’ goals?

Adriano Schmid: Skillsville dives deep into the world of work, introducing kids to a variety of jobs and breaking them down into executive function skills—essential tools for success in school, family life, and eventually the workforce. Kids love role-playing different professions, and through the series, they’ll be exposed to around 80 different jobs. The educational aspect is seamlessly woven into the entertainment, showing kids how to pause, reflect, and problem-solve in relatable ways.

Mystery League was produced by Arkansas PBS in response to a request for civics-related content for kids ages 5-8. It showcases small-town life and elementary school students engaging in mysteries, mapping out learning goals related to civics, media literacy, and community engagement. It’s a beautiful example of encouraging kids to be active members of their communities while having fun solving mysteries that are age-appropriate and engaging.

Alex: PBS KIDS also just announced Acoustic Rooster. How does this special fit within the same educational and entertainment goals as the other two properties?

Adriano Schmid: If you look at all three properties—Skillsville, Mystery League, and Acoustic Rooster—they reflect how PBS KIDS aims to connect with our audience across different formats. Skillsville follows the traditional model of an animated series with integrated games. Mystery League is live-action, something I’ve championed since I joined PBS KIDS because it allows children to see themselves on screen in a meaningful way. Acoustic Rooster is a special, based on Kwame Alexander’s book, and we love creating family-friendly event programming.

We didn’t just want to air the special; we wanted to build an entire content journey around it. So, alongside the one-hour special, we have 20 three-minute shorts and an interactive game, Groovin’ with Acoustic Rooster. The educational focus is on jazz, improvisation, following the beat, and executive function skills—teaching kids concepts that are useful beyond music while keeping it fun and engaging.

Alex: With Skillsville premiering first, what are some of the specific careers or skills highlighted in the show that you're excited about?

Adriano Schmid: We cover about 80 different jobs, ranging from traditional roles like librarian and volcanologist to future-focused jobs like logistics expert. We also include careers accessible at different education levels, like bank teller and construction engineer. The show’s format allows kids to explore these jobs within a virtual reality game where they help the inhabitants of Skillsville, tiny creatures called Beeples, understand how different professions keep the city running. It’s a fun, engaging way for kids to learn about the importance of various jobs.

Alex: Even within animation, there was a period where children's media seemed to be moving almost exclusively toward CGI and 3D animation. Skillsville has a more traditional 2D look. Are kids still resonating with that style, or is there still pressure for everything to be computer-animated?

Adriano Schmid: We prioritize variety. We don’t want everything to look the same—whether in animation or live-action. Growing up, I was exposed to a wide range of visual styles, and that diversity sparked my love for animation and kids' content. We’ve done CGI series before, like Sid the Science Kid and Super Why, but we also explore hybrid approaches, blending 2D and CG animation. Ultimately, our goal is to ensure a rich, visually diverse landscape for kids, rather than sticking to one dominant trend.

Alex: Music plays a big role in a lot of children's programming. How does it factor into Skillsville and Mystery League?

Adriano Schmid: In Skillsville, we wanted the entire show to feel like a video game, so we designed the music with that in mind—without necessarily mimicking existing games. While songs aren’t a primary element, sound effects are very engaging for kids.

Mystery League takes a different approach. The main characters are fans of a book series called The Dancing Detective, which we’ve expanded into a set of musical shorts. These reinforce civics and media literacy lessons through catchy songs and animated choreography.

Alex: With Mystery League being live-action and based in Arkansas, are real-life experiences of elementary school kids woven into the stories?

Adriano Schmid: Absolutely. The show focuses on the friendship between the three main characters, their different personalities, and how they overcome fears and insecurities together. The school setting is relatable for our young audience, and we also introduce elements of small-town life. Kids in Mystery League ride their bikes, walk around their community, and engage in mysteries while maintaining a sense of independence and responsibility. It strikes a balance between adventure and safety, showing how kids can be active and engaged in their communities.

Alex: Striking the right tone for mystery storytelling at this age range is tricky. Were legacy PBS KIDS shows, like Wishbone, an influence in setting that tone?

Adriano Schmid: I’m sure Wishbone was in the DNA of many people working on the show, whether they realized it or not. We also have our internal frameworks and guidelines to ensure content is appropriate for young viewers while giving writers and creators freedom to bring fresh, personal stories to the screen. It’s important to strike that balance between structure and creativity.

Alex: Kids often watch these shows with their families. What excites you most about how Skillsville and Mystery League will engage co-viewing audiences?

Adriano Schmid: We showcase diverse family structures—one character’s mom is in the military, which will resonate with many families. Mystery League provides a fun opportunity for families to engage with mysteries together, guessing along with the characters and following the clues. Mysteries are universally engaging because humans are naturally curious.

Alex: Thank you so much! I’m excited for the launch of both shows and the Acoustic Rooster special, and I really appreciate your time.

With Skillsville, Mystery League, and Acoustic Rooster joining the PBS KIDS lineup, young viewers have a wealth of new stories to explore—each designed to entertain while teaching valuable life lessons. But that’s not all—PBS KIDS has also announced that Alma’s Way has been renewed for a third season! The Emmy-nominated series will continue to highlight critical thinking, problem-solving, and Latino culture, with new characters, a musical special, and more relatable stories for young audiences. Whether kids are solving mysteries, exploring careers, discovering jazz, or thinking through everyday challenges with Alma, PBS KIDS is ensuring that its programming continues to be both meaningful and engaging for families everywhere.

Mark your calendars for the following PBS KIDS premiere dates! Check local listings for air times, or stream on the PBS KIDS website and app.

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